178: Talented Juniors ③

After we’d soared high into the sky, Carta began walking me through the specifics.

"Right, right, like this. Can you feel where I’m releasing the mana?"

"Yeah... I think I'm starting to get it."

"Belk, more power! We’re losing altitude!"

"Give me a break, this is seriously impossible!"

Things were hectic for the pair over there, but I was having a crisis of my own.

And that was because—

"And then, right here—"

Carta’s... "assets" were jiggling right against my back. Softly.

Talk about an unexpected development. If Cynthia saw me like this right now, she’d probably keep me cryogenically frozen until next year.

"—Weiss-kun, are you even listening?"

"Ah, sorry. I blanked out for a second."

"Wait, what?! Why?!"

"No reason."

I somehow managed to claw back my sanity and focused on the flight lesson.

To be fair, this training was a godsend. By riding with her, I could see the world through her eyes and get a real feel for her timing. It was arguably the most vital skill to have when facing the Demon Race. Up until now, I’d been fine thanks to Cynthia and Shari, but if I ever had to fight alone, I’d be at a staggering disadvantage without this.

"Thanks, Carta."

"Eh? What’s this for all of a sudden?"

"It’s got to be a pain, trying to explain all this to someone who isn't picking it up right away."

Carta simply shook her head.

"No, I’m the one who should be thanking you. I’m only in Noblesse right now because of you, Weiss-kun."

"Hah, don't be ridiculous. That was your own skill."

"It really was because of you, though."

She’s half-right and half-wrong, I thought. I was nothing more than a catalyst. Carta is the one who put in the work to grow her own strength. Still, it didn't feel bad to hear her say it.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaah! Meryl, I’m losing controoooooool!"

"Wait, you’re overdoing the output! Stop, sto-o-o-o-op!"

Just then, Belk and Meryl went into a literal nosebolt toward the ground.

Acting on pure instinct, I kicked the broom’s thrust into high gear and dove after them. I managed to snatch their staff just a hair’s breadth away from disaster.

"Good grief. Pay attention, you two."

"S-Sorry, sir!"

"Weiss-kun, that was perfect! Your speed was incredible..."

"Ah, yeah. —I see."

I guess I was just moving desperately, I realized. Still, I really had been fast.

Yeah, flying really is fun after all.

In that moment, I could have sworn I heard a voice whisper, Right?

I shook it off; it was probably just my imagination.

That said, I hadn't come to the Royal Capital just to train Belk and Meryl. There was an important trigger event for the Main Story coming up here. It would probably be child’s play for the current me, but I couldn't afford to let my guard down.

After all, for the first time in a long while, I was going to have to kill someone.